MILTON, Ga. — The body of 27-year-old Nathan Murray Smith, a local performer known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was likely found Friday, authorities said, after he was reported missing earlier this week.
Officials said the body was recovered around 11:53 a.m. from a pond near Smith’s home by the Cherokee County Fire Department. While authorities believe the body belongs to Smith, they are awaiting official confirmation from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, which will also determine the cause of death.
SKYFOX captured footage of the recovery near Mayfield Road and Baldwin Drive, close to Smith’s residence. Dozens of first responders, including the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Dive Team, were at the scene prior to the discovery.
Smith was reported missing on February 3 after leaving his home around 6 a.m. without his phone. Milton police and local agencies launched an immediate search, posting missing person flyers on social media. The search intensified Thursday in the Mayfield Park area, with several K-9 units deployed, including a specialized bloodhound from the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, which completed 25 successful searches in the past year.
Smith was confirmed to be the son of Atlanta rapper and producer Lil Jon, whose legal name is Jonathan Smith.
Authorities do not suspect foul play, but detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
